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Vena Cava Malformations as an Emerging Etiologic Factor for

Deep Vein Thrombosis in Young Patients

Massimiliano Bianchi1, Lorenzo Faggioni1, Virna Zampa1, Gina D'Errico1, Paolo Marraccini2 and Carlo Bartolozzi1

1Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 2Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica del CNR

1,2Italia

1. Introduction

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is an illness of clinical interest, due to the associated

morbidity and mortality and its social and health care consequences. The etiology in young

patients has shown it frequently associated with congenital coagulation abnormalities and

acquired/inherited risk factors (table I) (a,b).

Inherited

Common G169A mutation in the factor V gene (factor V Leiden) G20219A mutation in the protrombin (factor II) gene Homozygous C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene Rare Antitrombin deficiency Protein C deficiency Protein S deficiency Very rare Dysfibrinogenemia Homozygous homocystinuria Probably inherited Increased levels of factor VII, IX, XI or fibrinogen Acquired Surgery and trauma Prolonged immobilization Older age Cancer Myeloproliferative disorders Previous thrombosis Pregnancy and the puerperium Use of contraceptives or hormone-replacement therapy

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Resistence to activated protein C (not due alterations in the factor V gene Antiphospholipid antibodies) Mild to moderate hyperomocysteinemia

Table 1. inherited and acquired risk factors for DVT.

However, recent radiological advances derived from multislice computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have identified vena cava malformations as a new etiologic factor to be considered.(c-g)

The objectives of the present chapter are to describe the embryogenesis and the spectrum of

congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) as a risk factor in DVT in young

patients. Anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and its tributaries have been known to

anatomists since 1793, when Abernethy(h) described a congenital meso-caval shunt and

azygos continuation of the IVC in a 10-month-old infant with polysplenia and dextrocardia.

Since the development of cross-sectional imaging, congenital anomalies of the IVC and its

tributaries have become more frequently encountered in asymptomatic patients(c). The

imaging study with CT and MRI of the abdominal vein structures require a specific

thecnique of acquisition in relation with contrast medium injection. During the usual

vascular study, that are acquired in arterial phase, the visualization of veins is not adequate

for the recognition of the vein system. This may are usually readily identified on CT and

magnetic resonance (MR) imaging scans of the abdomen and pelvis obtained with

intravenously administered contrast medium. In addition, with helical acquisition, the

venous structures may be imaged during the arterial phase, when little or no contrast

material is present in the veins. Therefore, in these cases the diagnostic request is essential

for correct interpretation of vein vasculature and to avoid erroneous diagnosis

(retroperitoneal and mediastinal masses or adenopathy) and to alert the surgeon and

angiographer about the characteristics of vascular anatomy.

1.1 The embryogenesis of the IVC

The embryogenesis and the anatomic variations of the IVC become more clear with the

development of the CT and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in clinical practice. In the past

Phillips(i) has published a comprehensive review of the embryogenesis of the IVC. In brief,

the infrahepatic IVC develops between the 6th and 8th weeks of embryonic life as a

composite structure formed from the continuous appearance and regression of three paired

embryonic veins. In order of appearance, they are the posterior cardinal, the subcardinal,

and the supracardinal veins (Fig 1).

Under ordinary circumstances, the prerenal division is formed from union of the hepatic

segment (green area), a vitelline vein derivative, and the right subcardinal vein (magenta

area). The renal segment is formed from the suprasubcardinal anastomosis (yellow area)

and the postsubcardinal anastomosis (light violet area). The infrarenal segment derives from

the right supracardinal vein (goldenrod area). The posterior cardinal veins (dark violet area)

form the iliac veins (Adapted and reprinted, with permission, from reference d). Initially, all

blood return from the body wall caudal to the heart proceeds through the posterior cardinal

veins (dark violet in Fig 1). Blood return from the viscera is conveyed by the vitelline veins

(green in Fig 1), which drain the yolk sac. Subsequently, the subcardinal veins (magenta in

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Fig 1) develop ventromedial to the posterior cardinal veins and ventrolateral to the aorta.

The intersubcardinal anastomosis forms between the paired subcardinal veins, anterior to

the aorta, and caudal to the superior mesenteric artery.

Fig. 1. Conceptual framework for development of the IVC. Composite schematic shows the relative positions and interrelationships of the three paired embryonic vessels that contribute to development of the IVC. The pictured veins are not all present simultaneously. card= cardinal, post= posterior, SMA= superior mesenteric artery, v= vein, 1= intersubcardinal anastomosis, 2 = intersupracardinal anastomosis.

Anastomosis between the posterior cardinal and subcardinal veins (light violet in Fig 1) develop on each side at approximately the level of the intersubcardinal anastomosis. At the same time, union occurs between the right subcardinal vein and the hepatic segment of the IVC, which forms from the vitelline vein. As the cranial portions of the posterior cardinal veins begin to atrophy, blood return from the lower extremities is shunted through the postsubcardinal anastomosis, then through the subcardinal-hepatic anastomosis to the hepatic segment of the IVC. This process establishes the pre-renal division of the IVC. The next major development is the appearance of the paired supra-cardinal veins (goldenrod in Fig 1), which lie dorso-medial to the posterior cardinal veins and dorso-lateral to the aorta. Initially, multiple anastomosis form between the posterior and supracardinal veins. On each side, a suprasubcardinal anastomosis (yellow in Fig 1) develops from union of the postsupracardinal and the postsubcardinal anastomosis. In addition, intersupracardinal anastomosis develop dorsal to the aorta. The supracardinal veins then separate into cranial (azygos) and caudal (lumbar) ends. Meanwhile, inferiorly, anastomosis develop between the two posterior cardinal veins and between the posterior and lumbar supracardinal veins. With further atrophy of the posterior cardinal veins, blood return from the lower extremities is shunted through the supracardinal system to the suprasubcardinal anastomosis, then to the pre-renal division of the IVC. In addition, blood return from the left side of the body is shunted to the right across the intersupracardinal and interpostcardinal anastomosis.

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Finally, the left supracardinal vein is one of the last veins to disappear, although Huntington and McLure(j) state that the vessel does not so much atrophy as become incorporated into the right supracardinal vein by coalescence of the multiple anastomosis. In summary, the normal IVC is composed of four segments: hepatic, suprarenal, renal, and infrarenal. The hepatic segment is derived from the vitelline vein. The right subcardinal vein develops into the suprarenal segment by formation of the subcardinal-hepatic anastomosis. The renal segment develops from the right suprasubcardinal and postsubcardinal anastomosis. It is generally accepted that the infra-renal segment derives from the right supracardinal vein, although this idea is somewhat controversial(i). In the thoracic region, the supracardinal veins give rise to the azygos and hemiazygos veins. In the abdomen, the postcardinal veins are progressively replaced by the subcardinal and supracardinal veins but persist in the pelvis as the common iliac veins.

2. Variations in IVC anatomy

In a study of the development of the IVC in the domestic cat (Felis domestica), Huntington

and McLure(j) proposed a classification system for IVC anomalies based on abnormal

regression or abnormal persistence of various embryonic veins. These investigators

suggested that there could be up to 14 theoretical variations in the anatomy of the infra-

renal IVC. They noted that 11 of the 14 variants had been observed in the domestic cat or in

humans. In addition, these authors observed that other anomalies seen in humans, such as

abnormal development of the pre-renal division of the IVC and persistence of the renal

collar in the adult, could be explained on a similar basis.

2.1 Left IVC

A left IVC results from regression of the right supra-cardinal vein with persistence of the left

supra-cardinal vein. The prevalence is 0.2%–0.5%(i). Typically, the left IVC joins the left renal

vein, which crosses anterior to the aorta in the normal fashion, uniting with the right renal

vein to form a normal right-sided prerenal IVC (Fig 2).

2.2 Double IVC

Duplication of the IVC results from persistence of both supracardinal veins. The prevalence

is 0.2%–3%(i). The left IVC typically ends at the left renal vein, which crosses anterior to the

aorta in the normal fashion to join the right IVC (Fig 3).

2.3 Azygos continuation of the IVC

Azygos continuation of the IVC has also been termed absence of the hepatic segment of the

IVC with azygos continuation(k). The embryonic event is theorized to be failure to form the

right sub-cardinal–hepatic anastomosis, with resulting atrophy of the right sub-cardinal

vein. Consequently, blood is shunted from the supra-sub-cardinal anastomosis through the

retro-crural azygos vein, which is partially derived from the thoracic segment of the right

supra-cardinal vein. The prevalence is 0.6%(k). The renal portion of the IVC receives blood

return from both kidneys and passes posterior to the diaphragmatic crura to enter the

thorax as the azygos vein (Fig 4).

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(a)

Fig. 2. Partial malrotation and left IVC in a 49-year-old man. (a) Schematic shows a left IVC terminating at the left renal vein. (b-e) CT scans presented from caudal to cranial show the anomaly. (b) Note the left IVC (arrow) inferior to the renal veins. (c) The left IVC joins the left renal vein (arrow). (d) The left renal vein (arrow) crosses anterior to the aorta in the normal fashion. (e) A normal right-sided prerenal IVC is formed from the confluence of the left (straight arrow) and right (curved arrow) renal veins. Note the increased attenuation of the right renal vein relative to that of the left due to absence of dilution from relatively unenhanced lower-extremity venous return. The major clinical significance of this anomaly is the potential for misdiagnosis as left-sided paraaortic adenopathy(k).

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(a)

Fig. 3. Double IVC in a 53-year-old woman with lymphoma. (a) Schematic shows left and right infrarenal IVCs. The left IVC terminates at the left renal vein. (b) CT scan obtained inferior to the renal veins shows left (straight arrow) and right (curved arrow) IVCs. (c-e) CT scans show the left IVC ending at the confluence with the left renal vein (arrow in c), which crosses anterior to the aorta in the normal fashion (arrow in d) to join a normal pre-renal IVC (arrow in e). There may be morphological variation and asymmetry of the left and right veins. Double IVC should be suspected in cases of recurrent pulmonary embolism following placement of an IVC filter(i).

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(a)

Fig. 4. CT images of azygos continuation of the IVC in a 48-year-old man. (a) Schematic shows lack of contiguity between the pre-renal segment of the IVC (arrow) and the hepatic segment. The vessel parallel to the aorta under the crus is the azygos vein. (b, c) CT scans obtained at the level of the diaphragmatic crus (b) and the level of the azygos vein arch (c) show the enlarged azygos vein (straight arrow) draining into the superior vena cava (curved arrow in c).

The azygos vein joins the superior vena cava at the normal location in the right para-tracheal space. The hepatic segment (often termed the post-hepatic segment) is ordinarily not truly absent; rather, it drains directly into the right atrium. Since the post-sub-cardinal anastomosis does not contribute to formation of the IVC, each gonadal vein drains to the ipsi-lateral renal vein(j). Formerly thought to be predominantly associated with severe congenital heart disease and a-splenia or poly-splenia syndromes, azygos continuation of the IVC has become increasingly recognized in otherwise asymptomatic patients since the advent of cross-sectional imaging. It is important to recognize the enlarged azygos vein at the confluence with the superior vena cava and in the retrocrural space to avoid misdiagnosis as a right-sided para-tracheal mass or retro-crural adenopathy(k,l). Preoperative knowledge of the anatomy may be important in planning cardiopulmonary bypass and to avoid difficulties in catheterizing the heart(m).

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(a)

Fig. 5. Circumaortic left renal vein in a 73-year-old woman. (a) Schematic shows two left renal veins, with the inferior vein crossing posterior to the aorta. (b-e) Contiguous 5-mm-thick CT sections presented from cranial to caudal show the anomaly. (b) The superior left renal vein (arrow) crosses anterior to the aorta. (c-e) The inferior vein (curved arrow) descends approximately 2 cm and receives the left gonadal vein (straight arrow in d) before crossing posterior to the aorta. The major clinical significance is in preoperative planning prior to nephrectomy and in renal vein catheterization for venous sampling. Misdiagnosis as retroperitoneal adenopathy should be avoided.

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2.4 Circum-aortic left renal vein

A circum-aortic left renal vein results from persistence of the dorsal limb of the embryonic

left renal vein and of the dorsal arch of the renal collar (inter-supra-cardinal anastomosis).

The prevalence may be as high as 8.7%(i). Two left renal veins are present. The superior renal

vein receives the left adrenal vein and crosses the aorta anteriorly. The inferior renal vein

receives the left gonadal vein and crosses posterior to the aorta approximately 1–2 cm

inferior to the normal anterior vein (Fig 5).

2.5 Retro-aortic left renal vein

As with circum-aortic left renal vein, a retro-aortic left renal vein results from persistence of

the dorsal arch of the renal collar. However, in this variation the ventral arch (inter-

subcardinal anastomosis) regresses so that a single renal vein passes posterior to the aorta

(Fig 6). The prevalence is 2.1%(i). The clinical significance is preoperative recognition of the

anomaly.

(a)

Fig. 6. Retroaortic left renal vein in a 27-year-old man. (a) Schematic shows a single left renal vein, which crosses posterior to the aorta. (b, c) CT scans show the left renal vein (arrow) descending to cross posterior to the aorta.

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(a)

Fig. 7. Spinal dysraphism and double IVC with hemiazygos continuation in a 2-year-old boy. (a) Schematic shows failed development of the right pre-renal IVC and hemi-azygos continuation of the left IVC. (b-e) MR images presented from caudal to cranial show the anomaly. (b) Note the right (straight arrow) and left (curved arrow) IVCs. (c) The right renal vein (arrowhead) descends to receive the right IVC and crosses posterior to the aorta (arrow) to join the left IVC. (d) The left IVC continues cephalad left of the aorta under the diaphragmatic crus as the hemi-azygos vein (arrow). (e) In the thorax, the hemi-azygos vein (straight arrow) crosses posterior to the aorta (arrowhead) to join a rudimentary azygos vein (curved arrow) approximately 1-2 cm below the carina.

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2.6 Double IVC with retro-aortic right renal vein and hemi-azygos continuation of the IVC

More than one anomaly can coexist in a patient. In the case of a double IVC with a retro-aortic right renal vein and hemi-azygos continuation of the IVC, the embryologic basis is persistence of the left lumbar and thoracic supra-cardinal vein and the left supra-sub-cardinal anastomosis, together with failure of formation of the right sub-cardinal–hepatic anastomosis. In addition, the right renal vein and right IVC meet and cross posterior to the aorta to join the left IVC and continue cephalad as the hemi-azygos vein (Fig 7). Thus, there is also persistence of the dorsal limb of the renal collar and regression of the ventral limb. In the thorax, the hemi-azygos vein crosses posterior to the aorta at approximately T8 or T9 to join the rudimentary azygos vein. Alternate collateral pathways for the hemi-azygos vein include cephalad continuation to join the coronary vein of the heart via a persistent left superior vena cava and an accessory hemi-azygos continuation to the left brachio-cephalic vein(n).

2.7 Double IVC with retro-aortic left renal vein and hemiazygos continuation of the IVCA

Double IVC with a retro-aortic left renal vein and azygos continuation of the IVC is an

interesting combination. It results from persistence of the left supracardinal vein and the

dorsal limb of the renal collar with regression of the ventral limb. In addition, the sub-

cardinal-hepatic anastomosis fails to form (Fig 7). A recent study demonstrated that azygos

continuation of the IVC can be predicted with ultrasonography by identifying the right renal

artery crossing abnormally anterior to the IVC (15).

2.8 Circum-caval ureter

A circum-caval ureter is also termed a retro-caval ureter. The right supra-cardinal system fails to develop, whereas the right posterior cardinal vein persists. The anomaly always occurs on the right side. The proximal ureter courses posterior to the IVC, then emerges to the right of the aorta, coming to lie anterior to the right iliac vessels (Fig 8). Patients with this anomaly may develop partial right ureteral obstruction or recurrent urinary tract infections. Therapeutic options include surgical relocation of the ureter anterior to the cava(i).

2.9 Absent Infra-renal IVC with preservation of the supra-renal segment

Several reports have described absence of the entire IVC (o–r) or absence of the infra-renal IVC with preservation of the supra-renal segment (Fig 9) (s,t). Absence of the entire posthepatic IVC suggests that all three paired venous systems failed to develop properly.

Absence of the infrarenal IVC implies failure of development of the posterior cardinal and supracardinal veins. Since it is difficult to identify a single embryonic event that can lead to either of these scenarios, there is controversy as to whether these conditions are true embryonic anomalies or the result of perinatal IVC thrombosis (p,s,t).

3. Implications for treatment of DVT and prevention of recurrences

The therapy of acute DVT in this kind of patients is similar of the currently recommended

strategies and includes un-fractioned heparin, low-molecular weight heparin, fondaparinux

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(a)

Fig. 8. Circumcaval ureter in a 65-year-old man. (a) Schematic shows the right ureter encircling the IVC. (b-d) CT scans presented from cranial to caudal show the anomaly. (b) The right ureter (arrow) is positioned posterior to the IVC. (c) The ureter (arrow) then courses to the left of the IVC. (d) Finally, the ureter (arrow) crosses anterior to the IVC. (Courtesy of Akira Kawashima, MD, Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, Houston, Tex.)

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(a)

Fig. 9. Absent infra-renal IVC. (a) Schematic shows absence of the IVC below the renal veins. Collateral flow from the lower extremities reaches the azygos vein via para-vertebral collateral veins. (b) CT scan obtained inferior to the aortic bifurcation shows absence of the common iliac veins. Enlarged ascending lumbar veins are present (black arrow). Note the iliac arteries (white arrow). (c) CT scan obtained inferior to the kidneys shows absence of the IVC (white arrow). Enlarged ascending lumbar veins are present (black arrow). (d) CT scan obtained at the level of the renal veins shows a normal pre-renal IVC formed at the confluence of the renal veins (arrow). (e) CT scan obtained at the level of the pre-renal IVC (white arrow) shows prominent para-vertebral collateral veins (black arrow), which lead to a prominent azygos vein (arrowhead). (f) Coronal T1-weighted MR image shows the enlarged ascending lumbar veins (arrow). (g) Lateral maximum-intensity projection reconstruction of two-dimensional time-of-flight MR images shows formation of enlarged ascending lumbar veins at the confluence of the internal and external iliac veins (solid straight arrow). Note the anastomosis between the ascending lumbar veins and the azygos vein (open straight arrow) via prominent anterior para-vertebral veins (white curved arrow). Also note the pre-renal IVC (black arrowhead) posterior to the portal vein (black curved arrow), as well as prominent anterior abdominal wall collateral veins (white arrowheads). (Figs 10b, 10c, and 10g reprinted, with permission, from references).

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and vitamin-K antagonists(u). The diagnosis of anomalies in the inferior vena cava influences

the strategy for prevention the pulmonary embolism and long them maintenance treatment.

The use of mechanical device as caval filter is clearly limited by the anomalous anatomy of

the inferior vena cava and, generally, is-not indicated. On the other hand the use of oral anti-

coagulant (commonly warfarin) should be adjusted to maintain a target international

normalized ratio of 2.5 (range 2-3) and extended indefinitely in absence of main contra-

indications(d).

At present the introduction of new drugs as the factor Xa antagonists (rivarixaban, apixaban, edoxaban, ect) and the direct thrombin inhibitors as dabigatran etexilate could improve the therapeutic options. The promising results of the recent clinical studies in terms of efficacy and safety, suggest that these new drugs may allow a reduction of the length of hospital stay after an acute DVT, and a better adherence to guidelines in the long term treatment. The principal advantages of these drugs are the absence of the need of a routine coagulation monitoring and a therapeutic activity not influenced by dietary regimen and by drugs as NSADIs and statins(u). Potential limitations are the lack of specific antidotes (however the hal-life of these drugs is relative short) and the absence of a simple assay for quantification of activity or plasma level.

In conclusion these interesting pharmacological characteristics could improve the benefit-risk balance of long-term anti-coagulant therapy and the overall clinical outcome.

4. Conclusions

The complexity of the ontogeny of the IVC, with numerous anastomosis formed between the three primitive paired veins, can lead to a wide array of variations in the basic plan of venous return from the abdomen and lower extremity. Some of these anomalies have significant clinical implications. Although vascular structures can usually be readily identified on contrast-enhanced CT scans, identification of unusual venous arrangements may be difficult in those cases in which intravenous contrast material is contraindicated. In such patients, MR imaging may be used to distinguish aberrant vessels from masses by demonstrating flow voids or flow-related enhancement. The echo-scanning may suggest the presence of venous anomalies but usually it insufficient for a detailed diagnosis. A knowledge of IVC and renal vein anomalies is essential to avoid diagnostic pitfalls.

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idiopathic deep vein thrombosis. A case report. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown).

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[21] Mavrakanas T, Bounameaux H. The potential role of new oral anticoagulants in the

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Deep Vein ThrombosisEdited by Dr. Gregory Cheng

ISBN 978-953-51-0225-0Hard cover, 184 pagesPublisher InTechPublished online 07, March, 2012Published in print edition March, 2012

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This book provides a comprehensive review of deep vein thrombosis. There are chapters on risk factors forDVT, post thrombotic syndrome and its management, vena cava malformation as a new etiological factor andthrombosis in the upper limbs. DVT is usually seen in patients undergoing major surgeries. The guidelines forthrombo-prophylaxis in orthopaedic patients, radical pelvic surgeries, laparoscopic operations and risks versusbenefits in regions with a low prevalence of DVT are thoroughly addressed. Cancer and its treatment arerecognized risk factors for VTE and extended prophylaxis in ambulatory cancer patients is reviewed. The roleof imaging and endovascular therapies in acute DVT, hypercoagulabilty in liver diseases and the challenges indeveloping countries are discussed.

How to referenceIn order to correctly reference this scholarly work, feel free to copy and paste the following:

Massimiliano Bianchi, Lorenzo Faggioni, Virna Zampa, Gina D'Errico, Paolo Marraccini and Carlo Bartolozzi(2012). Vena Cava Malformations as an Emerging Etiologic Factor for Deep Vein Thrombosis in YoungPatients, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Dr. Gregory Cheng (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-51-0225-0, InTech, Available from:http://www.intechopen.com/books/deep-vein-thrombosis/vena-cava-malformations-as-a-new-etiologic-factor-for-deep-vein-thrombosis-in-young-patients-

© 2012 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This is an open access articledistributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction inany medium, provided the original work is properly cited.